Rubio is Surprised to Negative Reaction to US Mediating Ukraine Talks

(MENAFN) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the Ukraine war as “one of the few wars” where some in the international community have criticized efforts to end hostilities. He made the remarks Monday during a joint press conference with Viktor Orban in Budapest.

Rubio noted that the United States has successfully brought Russia and Ukraine together for negotiations, but expressed surprise at certain actors’ negative responses to Washington’s mediation. “Usually when you’re trying to end wars, the international community applauds you.

This is one of the few wars I’ve ever seen where some people in the international community condemn you for trying to help end the war, but that’s what we’re trying to do,” he said.

So far this year, Russia, Ukraine, and the US have held two rounds of trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi, along with multiple other discussions in different formats. Additional negotiations are scheduled “again in Geneva later this week,” Rubio stated. He emphasized that Washington is not attempting to “impose a deal on anybody” but is working to “help” both sides resolve the “incredibly damaging” conflict.

While the recent rounds were conducted behind closed doors, the talks have been described by both Moscow and Washington as “productive” and “constructive.” The latest meetings led to an exchange of 314 POWs between Russia and Ukraine. However, public statements from senior officials on both sides indicate that major differences remain, particularly regarding territorial issues.

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